Where better to take advantage of restaurant week than through Madison's expensive joints? Truthfully, I went into Captain Bill's with lowered expectations - thanks, Yelpers! To my surprise, my three-course meal wasn't half bad if still overpriced.
I should note that while it doesn't compare to Merchant, Captain Bill's has a solid selection of cocktails. My Salty Dog was fairly lackluster, but as my annoyed girlfriend can attest, their tropical drinks are embarrassingly tasty.
I started with their famed clam chowder as an appetizer, and it did not disappoint. Served in a warm mug, the chowder was rich, creamy and spectacularly spiced (something other restaurants often neglect in their chowder) with sizable chunks of clam meat. Croutons on top added a welcome crunchy garnish.
The surf and turf was substantial but relatively unspectacular. The cut of tenderloin was cooked to order (medium rare) and seasoned to the point of not needing any steak sauce to add cheap flavor. The lobster was middling.
The desert, a chocolate trifle, was about as airy and dull as the supposedly "rich" cake the Godiva blueberries and bavarian cream came paired with. I stole a few bites of Key Lime pie and can confirm from multiple sources that I "missed out."
I would rate Captain Bill's a star above the three were it not so expensive. Pricey seafood is one thing, but to jack up each of their menu items at the quality and portions provided is a touch ridiculous. Or maybe I'm just cranky about not getting more of their fantastic ciabatta. Good, not great.